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India Seeks Info on Light Helos From Contractors - Defense News
NEW DELHI - The Indian Navy has entered the global market to buy 50 light utility helicopters to replace aging Chetak helos, which have outlived their life.
A request for information (RFI) has been sent to Eurocopter of Europe, AgustaWestland of Italy, Bell Helicopters of United States and Kamov of Russia. After the receipt of the RFI, formal requests for proposals will be sent to global vendors in three months, said a senior Indian Defence Ministry official.
The helicopters will be used for search-and-rescue missions, casualty evacuation, observation and surveillance, and limited electronic intelligence gathering.
The Navy is looking for a twin-engined helicopter to improve survivability while flying over maritime areas, and wants fully integrated advanced avionics. The Navy requires the helicopters to have controls for two pilots but be capable of single-pilot operation. The helicopters should be able to attack submarines with torpedoes and depth charges, in addition to serving anti-terrorism and anti-piracy roles, said Navy official.
The Indian Army and Air Force are already in the process of purchasing 384 light utility helicopters.
NEW DELHI - The Indian Navy has entered the global market to buy 50 light utility helicopters to replace aging Chetak helos, which have outlived their life.
A request for information (RFI) has been sent to Eurocopter of Europe, AgustaWestland of Italy, Bell Helicopters of United States and Kamov of Russia. After the receipt of the RFI, formal requests for proposals will be sent to global vendors in three months, said a senior Indian Defence Ministry official.
The helicopters will be used for search-and-rescue missions, casualty evacuation, observation and surveillance, and limited electronic intelligence gathering.
The Navy is looking for a twin-engined helicopter to improve survivability while flying over maritime areas, and wants fully integrated advanced avionics. The Navy requires the helicopters to have controls for two pilots but be capable of single-pilot operation. The helicopters should be able to attack submarines with torpedoes and depth charges, in addition to serving anti-terrorism and anti-piracy roles, said Navy official.
The Indian Army and Air Force are already in the process of purchasing 384 light utility helicopters.
